Sioux Center, Iowa – It was a Saturday sweep for the Northern State University softball team in NSIC action against Southwest Minnesota State. Northern scored six runs and combined for 29 hits in the two wins over the Mustangs. The sweep in the first for the Wolves in NSIC play this season.
 
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score Game 1: NSU 4, SMSU 2
Final Score Game 2: NSU 2, SMSU 1
Records: NSU 9-21 (3-7 NSIC), SMSU 6-23 (1-9 NSIC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 1

• Northern scored four runs on 11 hits in the win, without giving up an error defensively
• Southwest Minnesota State scored first in the top of the first inning with two runs
• The Wolves rallied back and gained the lead in the bottom of the third, scoring all four runs
• Liv Richardson tallied a 1-out single to right, opening the Wolves rally, and came around to score on a single through the left side by Elly Smith
• Avarie Eagle tied the game at two, scoring on a fielder's choice by Kamdyn Barrientos
• Emma Owens grabbed the lead and Elly Smith extended it, scoring error by the Southwest Minnesota State pitcher
• Meghan Anderson started for the Wolves, throwing a full seven innings of work with four strikeouts
• Three Wolves tallied multiple hits in the win led by Claire Zbylut and Elly Smith with three apiece

 
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

• Elly Smith: 3-for-3, 1 run, 1 RBI
• Claire Zbylut: 3-for-4, stolen base
• Liv Richardson: 2-for-3, 1 run, stolen base
• Meghan Anderson: 7.0 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, 8 hits, 2 strikeouts, win

 
HOW IT HAPPENED – GAME 2

• Game two brought strong defensive play from both teams as they opened the contest with four scoreless innings
• Northern struck first in the bottom of the fifth, as Liv Richardson led off the inning with a triple to right and scored on a failed pick off attempt
• Southwest kept knocking and tied the game in the top of the seventh on a 2-oiut single through the left side
• The Wolves were left to their final three outs of regulation and Kyra Knudtson broke through with a double to left center field
• Eden Ford entered to pinch run for Knudtson and came around to score on a 2-out game-winning single through the left side by Emma Owens
• Lexi Chase earned her fourth win of the season, tossing seven innings of action with one earned run and two strikeouts
• Seven Wolves tallied hits in the game, led by Liv Richardson with two hits, including a triple

 
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS

• Liv Richardson: 2-for-3, 1 run, triple, stolen base
• Kyra Knudtson: 1-for-4, double
• Lexi Chase: 7.0 innings pitched, 4 hits, 1 earned runs, 2 strikeouts

 
UP NEXT
Northern State is scheduled for six roads games at Minot State, Wayne State, and Augustana next week. The Wolves kickoff the week against the Beavers of Minot State on Tuesday, April 11.